USA Hockey announces initial roster for World Championship

By @MichaelCaples –

There will be some big-time Michigan names skating for Team USA at the upcoming World Championship.

Among the names on the initial 2018 U.S. Men’s National Team roster include:

Alex DeBrincat (Farmington Hills native)

Quinn Hughes (NTDP alum, Michigan defenseman)

Nick Jensen (Red Wings defenseman)

Dylan Larkin (Waterford, NTDP/Michigan alum, Red Wings forward)

Alec Martinez (Rochester native)

Jordan Oesterle (Dearborn Heights native)

Red Wings head coach and Sault Ste. Marie native Jeff Blashill will be the head coach of the U.S. squad, as well.

Michigan is tied with Minnesota for most natives on the roster; both states have four apiece.

Twenty-three players were announced for the initial roster; three goaltenders, seven defensemen and 13 forwards. Other notable names include Johnny Gaudreau and Patrick Kane.

The U.S. will play Denmark on Tuesday, May 1 as an exhibition tune-up for the tournament. Real tournament play begins against Canada on May 4. The quarterfinals begin on May 17.

Bill Zito of the Columbus Blue Jackets is the general manager of the 2018 U.S. Men’s National Team. Advisory group members include Stan Bowman (Chicago Blackhawks), David Poile (Nashville Predators), Ray Shero (New Jersey Devils), Dale Tallon (Florida Panthers) and Jeff Gorton (New York Rangers).